Postdoctoral Researcher in Robot Learning
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Mobile Robotics Lab at ETH Zürich is committed to pushing the boundaries of robot intelligence. Our goal is to understand how to design robot policies that better reflect the complexities of the human world.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Robot Learning who is intrigued by the following questions:
- How can we fuse representations of the world with modern learning-based methods to enable larger scale and longer horizon tasks?
- How can we leverage Foundation Models, VLMs, VLAs, and robot learning for complex, long-horizon tasks that involve manipulation, locomotion, and navigation in potentially unstructured, large-scale environments?
Our exploration is conducted using a variety of real-world robots, including the Unitree G1 humanoid, Stretch 3, and drones.
The Mobile Robotics Lab is involved in several ongoing research projects in the fields of:
- Robot Learning
- Spatial AI
- Robot Perception
- Mobile Manipulation
- Navigation and Exploration
For detailed information on these projects, please refer to our homepage.
Job Description
- Lead and shape an independent research agenda in mobile robotics, pioneering the use of modern learning-based methods such as Foundation Models, VLMs, and VLA architectures for embodied intelligence.
- Supervise and enable high-impact research on the lab's humanoid platform (Unitree G1), advancing the field of sim-to-real transfer and semantic reasoning.
- Secure external funding (with strong institutional support) and foster collaborations within the ETH ecosystem.
- Co-supervise PhD and Master's students, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and ambitious experimentation.
- Participate in teaching activities, including developing new educational materials in robotics, perception, and autonomous systems.
Profile
- PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field with impactful publications in top-tier venues (CORL, ICRA, RSS, NeurIPS, CVPR, etc.).
- Expert knowledge in modern Robot Learning.
- Proficient in Python, C++, and modern tools such as IsaacLab, PyTorch, etc.
- Visionary Drive: You are highly motivated, self-driven, and eager to lead a team toward a larger mission. Your ambition extends beyond publishing; you aim to solve critical challenges in robotics.
- Excellent communication skills with a desire to mentor the next generation of researchers.
Workplace
The workplace is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the field of mobile robotics. We offer a dynamic environment that supports both research ambitions and individual growth.
We Offer
- Engagement in cutting-edge research in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team that bridges theoretical research and practical robotics applications.
- Access to modern lab facilities and flexible working conditions within a leading-edge research environment.
- A commitment to diversity with flexible working hours and the possibility of part-time arrangements.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We ensure a respectful environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are upheld. Sustainability is a core principle, and we continually strive toward a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:
- CV
- Transcripts including relevant publications
- Motivation letter
- References
For further information about the Mobile Robotics Lab, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Isabella De Nitti at isabella.denitti@mrl.ethz.ch (please do not submit applications via email).
Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is renowned as one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are distinguished by our excellent education, innovative fundamental research, and effective transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university is a hub for independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe yet connected globally, we collaborate to address the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.